6 Big Bang Theory Facts You May Not Know

Do you think you know everything there is to know about The Big Bang Theory? Well, try these on for size. I have taken the liberty of rounding up some facts, so let’s test your knowledge of the show, as well as the real life people behind it. Let’s go!

1. Jim Parsons isn’t as big of a nerd as Sheldon Cooper.

I know what you’re thinking, “Well, of course he’s not! He can’t be exactly like his character.” Ah, yes, but did you know that Parsons has never actually seen a single episode of Star Trek or Doctor Who? But the actor plays it off so well, many people may actually think that he is a fan.

2. Real life students in the audience

Mayim Bialik (Amy Farrah Fowler) has mentioned in an interview that the school where the lead characters work is based on the California Institute of Technology. So naturally, real-life Caltech students and staff take it upon themselves to be present when the cast and crew films the show.

3. Blossom Russo Foreshadowed

Mayim Bialik joined the show during season three, but what you may not know is Raj actually mentions her back in season one. During the first season, Raj makes this statement: “You know who’s apparently very smart is the girl who played TV’s ‘Blossom.’ She got a Ph.D. in neuroscience or something.” Bialik did actually earn the degree and is the only actor with such an advanced education on the show. Is this just a coincidence? Or was her role already planned early on?

4. Penny used to be “Katie.”

Penny was almost not on the show at all. The character was actually supposed to be on another show entirely. Her name was “Katie” at the time and Amanda Walsh signed on for the role. Instead of being a waitress at the Cheesecake Factory, the character worked at a makeup salon. While that sitcom never made it on the air, the character moved to The Big Bang Theory.

5. Apartment 4A Not Found

After nine seasons, Leonard and Sheldon’s apartment 4A is probably almost as well known as the Friends apartments. The two roommates mention that it is located in Pasadena at 2311 Los Robles, across the street from the Colorado Avenue Chevron station. While these streets and landmarks do exist, the exact location is a work of fiction.

6. “The Theorists”

Here’s one I didn’t even know. With a show as popular as The Big Bang Theory, You can understand there being a similar plotline or two with other shows. This is the case with a lot of shows taking inspiration from the Simpsons. But in 2010 that was taken too far. A show called “The Theorists,” which aired in Belarus, was discovered by the BBT producers. The Theorists was very similar to the Big Bang Theory. However before things got too heated, the actors on The Theorist quit because they found out their own producers stole the idea for the show from America.